Global markets roundup, 18 February

The FTSE 100 made strong gains yesterday to close over 1% higher at 6,736.

Retail estate investment trust Hammerson was the highest climber after reporting a rise in annual profits. The Reit gained 3.1%. And Royal Bank of Scotland followed with a gain of 2.7%.

Roll-Royce Holdings was the day’s biggest faller, down 1.9%.

In Europe, the Paris CAC 40 fell five points to 4,335, and the German Xetra Dax lost six points to 9,656.

In the US, the markets were closed for Presidents’ Day.

Overnight in Asia, Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 3.1% to 14,843, and the broader Topix index gained 2.7% to 1,224. And in China, the Shanghai Composite fell 0.8% to 2,119, and the CSI 300 slid 1.3% to 2,282.

Brent spot was trading at $109.09 early today, and in New York, crude oil was at $100.66. Spot gold was trading at $1,320 an ounce, silver was at $21.58 and platinum was at $1,419.

And in the news this morning, Poundland has announced its intention to float on the London Stock Exchange. The budget high-street retailer, which is 76%-owned by Warburg Pincus, has close to 500 stores in the UK. Shares will be offered to institutional investors.

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